A charity providing two supported accommodation services in Nottingham has avoided closure after the council U-turned on its decision to pull funding.
Hughendon Lodge in Mapperley and The Crescent in Hyson Green are two mental health services that had been facing imminent closure after Nottingham City Council announced plans to cut support.
The services, both operated by Framework Housing Association, offer accommodation and support for up to 52 people living with mental health problems.
The yearly cost for both services is around £634,000, which is entirely funded by the authority.
The Nottingham-based charity, which provides support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, said it would be forced to close the sites if funding was withdrawn.
However, in a statement on Friday 28 February, the charity’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, said:
“We were delighted to receive a message from Nottingham City Council on Wednesday afternoon, informing us of the council’s intention to revisit its earlier proposal to decommission Hughendon Lodge and The Crescent.
“This means the two services will not be closing on 31 March.
“This is a very positive development and an enormous relief for those residents who faced uncertainty about their future.
“Framework thanks the council for hearing their concerns and acting on them. It is hoped that the small number of residents who had received suitable housing offers will still be allowed to take them up, with accompanying packages of support.
“Framework and Nottingham City Council have worked in partnership for many years. It is a relationship we cherish, and one which has delivered benefits for many homeless and vulnerable citizens, as well as the wider community.
“It encompasses several projects recently initiated by the council to reduce the costs it incurs when meeting its statutory obligations. Important elements of this work are funded entirely, or largely, from external sources.
“With the ‘cliff edge’ of closure now averted, we look forward to applying the same spirit of partnership to secure the long-term future of Hughendon Lodge and The Crescent.”
A council spokesperson added:
“As a council, we take our statutory responsibilities extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring the right care and support for our people – but in the right settings.
“As such, the decision to decommission these services was never about cuts. It is good practice to regularly review and adapt all contracts and services, to ensure that we respond to the evolving needs of the community, while ensuring public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
“Framework challenged the process of our decision-making, which we will review.
“However, we remain committed to ensuring the right care is provided for people who fall under our statutory care, and to delivering best value for taxpayers.”
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